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Flavorful Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe for Easy Freezer Storage

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A rich and smoky roasted cherry tomato sauce with caramelized sweetness, fresh herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, perfect for freezer storage and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds (1.4 kg) cherry tomatoes
  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Rinse 3 pounds (1.4 kg) of cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Peel 6 garlic cloves but leave them whole. Spread both evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic. Toss gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes are blistered, slightly charred, and have released their juices. Garlic should be soft and golden. Watch closely around 20 minutes to avoid burning.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.
  6. Transfer roasted tomatoes and garlic with juices to a blender or food processor. Pulse until desired consistency is reached (smooth or chunky). Blend in batches if needed.
  7. Pour blended mixture into a large saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and chopped fresh basil (about 1/2 cup packed). Simmer gently over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar as needed.
  9. Cool completely to room temperature before portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
  10. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm gently from frozen.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the tomatoes. Roast at 425°F for best caramelization. Blend in batches to avoid spills and burns. Simmer gently to avoid bitterness. Leave headspace in containers for freezing expansion. Thaw overnight in fridge for best texture. For thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a splash of water or vegetable broth if too thick. Basil added at the end preserves freshness. Optional variations include adding chipotle pepper for heat, swapping herbs, or stirring in vegan cream for richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted cherry tomato sauce, tomato sauce, freezer-friendly sauce, easy tomato sauce, homemade tomato sauce, vegan tomato sauce, Italian sauce, batch cooking

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/flavorful-roasted-cherry-tomato-sauce-recipe-for-easy-freezer-storage/